“ … (an) exquisite and expressive voice, capable of a wide dynamic range from the most delicate sotto voce pianissimos to full-voiced fortissimo coloratura passages.” -- Monterey Herald

Poldowski was the pseudonym of Lady Dean Paul, born (in Belgium) Irène Régine Wieniawska, youngest daughter of the celebrated Polish violinist and composer Henryk Wieniawski. Beginning in 1900, she became firmly established in London as a pianist and composer, and enjoyed success in major cities on both sides of the Atlantic.

The 26 art songs heard here, four of which are world premiere recordings, eloquently attest to Poldowski’s remarkable originality and facility as a composer — revealing a range of color, mood and emotion that make listeners wonder why these beautifully crafted gems ever fell into obscurity.

Soprano Angelique Zuluaga’s rich, dark-hued voice and supremely sensitive interpretations plus pianist Gwendolyn Mok’s superb collaborations (and those of the Alexander String Quartet and oboe d‘amore master Ryan Zwahlen) combine to create irresistible renditions of music that is ripe for rediscovery.